Using your TSTT BlackBerry for Internet Access on your Laptop ( Tether )

[TriniXaeno]

This may come in handy if you are stuck somewhere without internet access or an EVDO card but happen to have a BlackBerry with Internet Access

Connect Your BlackBerry
Make sure your BlackBerry is connected by USB cable, and your BlackBerry Handheld Manager is running (just launch BlackBerry Desktop to run it.) This is necessary for using the BlackBerry as an external modem. You cannot use BlackBerry as a modem unless you have BlackBerry Handheld Manager running in the background! Note: For a Bluetooth modem connection on new Curve devices the BlackBerry Manager does not have to run in the background for the connection to work. You need to simply pair your laptop and the Curve.
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Modem Driver Install
If you installed a recent version of BlackBerry Desktop, it should include modem drivers and already be automatically installed. In the event you need to manually install them, the modem drivers should be located in this directory:
C:\program files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Modem Drivers
However, if you are having problems with these drivers, uninstall, delete all leftover RIM files, and then reinstall the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop.
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Verify The Modem Driver Is Functioning
Go to Control Panel -> Phone & Modem Options. In the Modems tab, you should see a new Standard Modem on a new port (such as COM6 or COM11). Click Properties -> Diagnostics -> Query Modem. You should see the following:Quote:


ATQ0V1E0 - OK
AT+GMM - BlackBerry IPmodem
AT+FCLASS=? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
AT#CLS=? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
AT+GCI? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
AT+GCI=? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
ATI1 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI2 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI3 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI4 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI5 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI6 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI7 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem


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IMPORTANT SPECIAL CONFIGURATION STEP
Click Properties -> Advanced. Add the following Extra initialization commands (this is specific to the TSTT network)

+cgdcont=1,"IP","internet"


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Add A New Internet Connection
Close the Phone and Modem Options and the Control Panel.
For XP: Create a new connection with Start -> Connect To -> Show all connections -> Create a new connection.


1. Click Next

2. Select "Connect To The Internet" then Next

3. Select "Set up my connection manually" then Next

4. Select "Connect using a dial-up modem" then Next.

5. Check only the Standard Modem (if prompted).

6. Give the connection a name such as "BlackBerry Modem", then Next.

7. On the next screen, use the following phone number:

   Enter phone number *99#


8. Click Next.

9. On the next screen, leave the username and password fields blank

.........Username: (blank)
.........Password: (blank)


10. Clear all checkboxes ("Use...when anyone..." and "Make this the default...")

11. Click Finish

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Surf On The Laptop!
Connect to the Internet on the laptop by clicking the "BlackBerry Modem" icon via Start Menu->Network Connections. No username or password is needed.

[Arcmanov]

Have you tried this?  I have, and the results have been less than stellar.  It works great for about 10 mins, and then just peters out.  To restore connectivity, I have to actually power down my BB and reseat the SIM card.  USB or bluetooth...same thing.

This was frustrating enough for me to get a separate GPRS SIM for my note/netbook.

[TriniXaeno]

Worked like a charm with a Blackberry Bold (9000)

Didn't experience anything like that.

The instructions are for XP, I have not tried on Vista.

[Arcmanov]

woodyear99 got the same issue as well, but I don't know if its model specific.
I would like to try it on a bold though.

[TriniXaeno]

Which model were you using?

Also, which operating system and version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager?

I tested with Bold 9000, XP SP3, BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.7 (Latest at the time)

[Arcmanov]

I was using my Curve 8310, Windows XP SP3/Vista SP1 (32-bit), and Blackberry Desktop Software v 4.22 I think.

I'll try it out with the latest version of the BBDS and see if it changes anything.

[TriniXaeno]

Quick update,

The bluetooth works on the Bold (9000) without the need for BlackBerry Desktop Manager as well. (tested before on the curve but now confirmed on the Bold)

Makes life even easier.

Wireless internet immc. Coming in real handy here in tobago. Hotel wireless not working apparently so the blackberry is taking on wifi duty.

Be warned, it is sloooowww (damn you people with the 2mb sigs) and spotty but better than nothing.

[Arcmanov]

Oh believe me, I've been there.
Slow is an understatement

[woodyear99]

Yeah agreed but for when there is no other option it does come in handy....

[Netizen1]

We'll just have to wait for Flow to launch their 54MBps wifi "officially"